Polestar Looks To Grow Book Business

Following the merger of Polestar's Spanish operations with the printing activities of Grupo Prisa and the creation of Spain's largest printing group, Grupo Dedalo Grafico, it is looking to add value.

Following the merger of Polestar's Spanish operations with the printing activities of Grupo Prisa and the creation of Spain's largest printing group, Grupo Dedalo Grafico, it is looking to add value to its strategic investment.

To enable further expansion of the revenues of the principal book printing operation, Mateu Cromo, former Polestar director David Holland has been appointed development director.

Holland's task will be to work with the current Mateu Cromo team and the Polestar organisation to concentrate on breaking new ground with publishers.

Although recently, Holland has been more involved with the magazine, catalogue and direct mail markets, he has many years of hands-on experience as both chief executive and chairman of leading UK book printers, including William Clowes, Cox Wyman, Spottiswoode Ballantyne and more recently Polestar Wheatons.

Jesus Damia, export director of Mateu Cromo, said: "Whilst Mateu Cromo already has a significant UK sales presence, David's appointment will enable us to develop new relationships as well as generate opportunities from our established network of contacts across the UK and Europe.

We value his experience and are delighted to be working together for this project." Polestar Group sales marketing director John Ashfield added: "By harnessing the digital skills of Polestar Wheatons with its traditional strengths of book and journal production, we have an offering that may prove compelling for some of our customers.

Complementing these skills will be enhanced administration and service support." David Holland said: "I have always enjoyed the world of books, both as a producer and consumer, and particularly enjoyed the market environment as a book printer.

I have specific objectives within the book publishing fraternity; however I believe the network of contacts that Polestar has is immensely powerful and will aid this new endeavour." Polestar has a 40 per cent stake in Grupo Dedalo Grafico.

Mateu Cromo, one of the Group's three book printing companies, specialises in colour book printing and binding, offering CTP pre-press through sheet and web-offset printing to limp, sewn cased and paperback binding.

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